Bus workers union RMT just confirmed that members on Stagecoach South West buses will be mounting a major programme of strike action.

The dispute involves over 800 bus drivers, cleaners and engineering grades at the Exeter, Torquay and Barnstaple garages.

RMT’s executive has taken the decision to call on all Stagecoach South West members to take industrial action as a result of an alleged failure by Stagecoach 'to address pay and conditions issues at the heart of the dispute.'

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More than 78 per cent of RMT members’ voted for strike action whilst nearly 90 per cent voted for action short of a strike in a recent ballot.

RMT members say they are 'furious' that the company has tabled a pay and conditions package that fail to keep pace with the Retail Price Index and which would condemn a key group of transport staff who are already on low pay levels to a de facto pay cut.

Here's when strikes will occur

• 04:00 on Friday 13th October 2017 and 03:59 hours on Saturday 14th October 2017.• 04:00 on Tuesday 17th October 2017 and 03:59 hours on Wednesday 18th October 2017.• 04:00 on Monday 30th October 2017 and 03:59 hours on Tuesday 31st October 2017.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Bus workers in the South West provide an essential service across a wide geographical area and they deserve a fair deal on pay. At the moment they are being offered a package that stacks up to a de facto pay cut and RMT’s executive has agreed with our local branches that that is entirely unacceptable.

“RMT negotiators have made every effort in talks to reach a negotiated settlement but the company have come up well short of what our members both expect and deserve for the hard work they put in day in and day out.

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"That continued failure to make serious progress is wholly down to the company and has forced us to put on this programme of industrial action in the fight for pay and workplace justice. As ever, RMT remains available for serious and meaningful talks.”

Update: Bob Dennison, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, commented: "I have been negotiating with the RMT for over six months to try to agree a pay deal. At every stage, we have been open to alternative approaches to meet members' aspirations. Taking into account the current offer of a 2.5% increase in the headline rate, staff would have seen a total increase in their hourly rate in excess of 10% since May 2015.

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"It is therefore extremely disappointing that no agreement has yet been reached and industrial action has now been called, despite members not been given the opportunity to ballot on the various offers made, only on the option of industrial action.

"My priority remains to seek a solution that is in the best interests of our employees, our customers and our business. We will do all we can to minimise disruption to customers and maintain the vital transport links for the community. As it stands, less than half of eligible staff have voted in favour of strike action and I am therefore hopeful an agreement can still be reached through continuing dialogue with the RMT."